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Best Relational Databases 2025

A relational database is a database structured to recognize relations among stored items of information.

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Learn More about Relational Databases Software

What is Relational Database Software?

A relational database stores and manages data by using a structured query language (SQL). The data is placed in a traditional table format containing rows and columns. Columns identify each piece of data by unique characteristics such as name, order number, or image of a product logo. Rows identify the relationships between the data points. Relational databases are used by businesses that want to store data and ensure access to customer information. Users are able to edit, return, or delete customer information as needed.

The main difference between relational and non-relational databases is the use of SQL. A relational database’s use of SQL assumes a defined structure or rows and columns. Non-relational databases use different storage models, are more scalable, and have a lower level of data integrity.

Relational Databases Features

Relational databases contain the following features and capabilities:

  • ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) compliance ensures database transactions are processed reliably
  • Referential integrity ensures that relationships between tables remain consistent
  • Fine-grained locking or synchronization mechanisms for managing simultaneous access of the same data by multiple users
  • Support for Unicode for multilingual capability
  • Ability to run database seamlessly on multiple platforms
  • Ability to recover data in the event of a failure

Relational Databases Comparison

Before purchasing a relational database, consider the following:

  • Integration: Some relational databases do not integrate smoothly with non-SAP applications. Make sure the integration capabilities meet the needs of your business.
  • Extra costs: Relational databases may require extra hardware costs. When budgeting, you should account for devices and fees.

Pricing Information

There are many open source relational databases, and they are great choices for businesses that don’t have significant support needs. Enterprise relational databases, such as Oracle, start at about $45,000 for a single license for two processing cores.

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Relational Databases FAQs

What do relational databases do?

A relational database is a data repository that stores information in structured tables. Because data is stored in a structured way, it can be retrieved with a query language that understands the table structure. Relational databases store data with tables and columns. Each row contains data that is related to a single entity, while each column represents different keys or concepts.

What are the benefits of using relational databases?

Relational databases provide users with data storage. These databases allow for easy retrieval, editing, returning, or removing of data.

What are the best relational database products?

How much does a relational database cost?

There are many free relational database options. These databases are great choices for businesses that don’t have significant support needs, as open source options tend not to provide support. Enterprise relational databases start at about $45,000 for a single license for two processing cores.